- A map shows how the BA.2 has outperformed other Omicron types in the northeastern US.
- The minor variant has led to a new increase in cases in Europe.
- Experts are warning that a wave could soon reach the US, although some say the wave could be mild.
The Omicron BA.2 subvariant has become predominant over other variants of the coronavirus COVID-19 in the northeastern US, according to the latest data from the CDC.
The news comes as a wave of new cases hit Europe, driven by the more contagious BA.2 and by countries lifting restrictions for COVID-19. That wave is prompting some experts to worry that another wave could soon be coming to the US.
Experts previously told Insider that they expect a BA.2 wave in the US could be milder than in Europe, in part because of earlier exposure to its cousin, the BA.1 sub-variant. The most vulnerable groups could still be at risk, experts said.
As of last week, BA.2 made up 55.4% of samples collected at the Health and Human Services District, the CDC said Tuesday. This region covers Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as ten federally recognized tribal nations.
BA.2 also comprised 51.8% of samples in HHS region 2, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
The rest of the coronavirus samples consisted of other Omicron subtypes.
According to CDC estimates, the subvariable is already approx 35% of all cases in the US.
BA.2 is considered to be more contagious than BA.1, the Omicron subvariant that still dominates worldwide. However, it is not considered to be more dangerous than other Omicron variants.
It's not yet clear whether BA.2 will cause a huge spike in cases in the US, Insider previously reported.
